Singapore University Grading System
Singapore uses a unique CAP (Cumulative Average Point) scale rather than the US 4.0 GPA. NUS and NTU run on a 5.0 CAP scale; SMU uses a 4.0 GPA. First Class Honours at NUS and NTU requires a CAP of 4.50 or above.
Singapore University Honours Thresholds at a Glance
CAP and GPA thresholds for each honours band at NUS, NTU, and SMU.
| Institution | Scale | First Class | Second Upper | Second Lower | Third |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUS | 5.0 CAP | 4.50+ | 4.00–4.49 | 3.50–3.99 | 3.00–3.49 |
| NTU | 5.0 CAP | 4.50+ | 4.00–4.49 | 3.50–3.99 | 3.00–3.49 |
| SMU | 4.0 GPA | 3.50+ | 3.00–3.49 | 2.50–2.99 | 2.00–2.49 |
Source: NUS, NTU, and SMU academic handbooks. Thresholds verified as of 2024–2025.
Understanding the Singapore CAP System
Key concepts behind Singapore university grading.
What is CAP?
CAP stands for Cumulative Average Point, the grade-point average metric used by NUS and NTU. Unlike the US 4.0 GPA, the CAP scale runs to 5.0. A+ and A both map to 5.0 at NUS; A- maps to 4.5. The CAP is computed as the sum of (grade points times module credits) divided by total module credits attempted.
CAP vs GPA, How Singapore differs from the US system
The US 4.0 GPA and Singapore 5.0 CAP are not directly comparable. A 4.0 GPA in the US is perfect; a 4.0 CAP at NUS is Second Upper Honours. SMU deliberately adopted a 4.0 GPA scale for compatibility with US employers and graduate schools. When Singapore graduates apply abroad, they typically provide a WES (World Education Services) evaluation to normalise their CAP.
Institutional variation within Singapore
NUS uses a 5.0 CAP; NTU uses a 5.0 CAP with an identical grade-point table; SMU uses a 4.0 GPA with a US-style letter grade system (A+ = 4.3). SUTD and SIT use their own scales. This page covers NUS, NTU, and SMU, the three largest universities. Always verify the exact grade policy in your institution handbook.
Explore the Singapore Grading System
Detailed sub-pages covering the CAP scale, honours bands, transcripts, and re-sit rules.
Singapore CAP Grading Scale
NUS/NTU 5.0 CAP table and SMU 4.0 GPA table, with a side-by-side comparison to the US 4.0 system and institution-specific variations.
Read more →Singapore Honours Classification
First Class, Second Upper, Second Lower, and Third Class, merit-based CAP bands, research honours requirements, and Dean's List equivalents.
Read more →Singapore University Transcripts
Transcript fields, MCs (modular credits), CAP score display, portal request process (myISIS, StudentLink), and WES evaluation for overseas use.
Read more →Re-sit and Grade Appeals
Re-sit eligibility, grade capping policy, S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) option at NUS, and the 2-week formal grade appeal window.
Read more →Related Gradebook Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Singapore university grading system.
Automate Singapore CAP grading with OpenEduCat
5.0 CAP and 4.0 GPA scales, honours classification, modular credit weighting, and Singapore transcript formats, pre-configured and ready on day one.